A WW2 veteran whose medals were ripped from his chest by a mugger while paying his respects at his local cenotaph has had them replaced.
96-year-old Jim Marland – a former Private, who served with the Durham Light Infantry Brigade – was at Rochdale Cenotaph prior to Remembrance Day when he was sadly pushed to the ground and robbed of his war medals and other personal belongings.
It was a couple of days before the shaken former soldier felt able to tell his family about the shocking incident – but, after a serving soldier came across the heartbreaking tale on social media, Mr Marland has now received replacements of his original medals during a surprise presentation at Rochdale football club.
Mr Marland received the replacement medals on the pitch at half-time of Rochdale A.F.C’s League Two match with Stevenage.
The veteran also received a guard of honour, while the crowd applauded his entrance.
ADVERTISEMENT
The stolen medals included the 1939/45 War Star for active service during the Second World War, the France/Germany Star, the Defence Medal earned for service in the UK which was under attack, and the 1939/45 War Medal, also known as the Victory Medal.
Mr Marland received the replacement medals on the pitch at half-time of Rochdale A.F.C’s League Two match with Stevenage / Credit: British Army / Ministry of DefenceThe veteran also received a guard of honour, while the crowd applauded his entrance / Credit: British Army / Ministry of Defence
Major Linehan explained: “I’m a military historian and a couple of weeks ago, while on a battlefield study in Sicily, I was on Facebook and spotted a re-post from a friend Steve Shires, who I served with in Northern Ireland, saying a veteran had been pushed over and had his medals stolen.
“I immediately said I would replace them from my stock.”
Major Linehan travelled five and a half hours from Kent to make the presentation, and even got to chat with Jim prior to the presenting the replica medals.
ADVERTISEMENT
Speaking after the surprise presentation of the medals, Jim Marland said: “It was a surprise and I want to thank everyone that’s been so nice to me,” and even jokingly added: “If I’d known I was coming to this, I’d have out another row of medals on.”
A REME reservist sprung to the aid of a 96-year-old WW2 veteran who was mugged of his medals.
A replacement set was presented to Jim Marland at half time at @officiallydale last night.
As well as the medals, 103 REME also provided a replacement beret with an original WW2 cap badge worn by a relative of ex-Corporal Buckley (Royal Engineers) and an original WW1 cap badge worn by a Great Uncle of Flight Lieutenant Martin, who served with Major Linehan.
“The big Army family got together to produce this award and it was a wonderful privilege to give back to someone who gave so much for all of us,” Major Linehan added.
Featured Image – British Army / Ministry of Defence
Trending
Morrisons has launched a nationwide search for its first-ever Chief Doughnut Tester
Emily Sergeant
Today is National Doughnut Day, and to celebrate, Morrisons is on the look-out for one sweet treat fan to take on a new role.
That’s right – today (5 June) is National Doughnut Day, and Morrisons is officially on the hunt for the nation’s ultimate doughnut devotee with the launch of its brand-new (and delicious) role, The Chief Doughnut Tester – with all glaze enthusiasts, sprinkle connoisseurs, and jam-filled aficionados urged to get applying.
The search is on to crown one lucky fan who’ll take on the dream job of taste-testing their way through the supermarket‘s range of doughnuts.
The Chief Doughnut Tester is more than just a title, Morrisons says it’s ‘serious business’.
Morrisons has launched a nationwide search for its first-ever Chief Doughnut Tester / Credit: Morrisons
The new hire will be tasked with taste-testing doughnuts before they hit the shelves, giving verdicts on new flavours and textures, all in the name of research.
The role will also involve teaming up with Morrisons’ internal doughnut-expert team to develop new and limited-edition treats that’ll be in stores next year.
Crowned as the nation’s definitive doughnut authority, the selected winner won’t just earn the title of Chief Doughnut Tester, they’ll also receive the ultimate of sweet perks – a year’s free supply of Morrisons fresh doughnuts, which the retailer sells more than 1.1 million of weekly.
Aspiring Chief Doughnut Testers can apply on the Morrisons website here, by filling in a short 200-words about why’re the ideal candidate.
Applications close at midnight tonight (Friday 5 June), so you’ll need to be quick.
Featured Image – Annie Spratt (via Unsplash)
Trending
First-ever JD Wetherspoon pub to open at Manchester Airport
Danny Jones
In news that we feel many Mancs and travellers all-round have been waiting on for a long time, the well-known British chain, JD Wetherspoon, will be opening its first-ever pub at Manchester Airport.
That’s right: soon that first airport pint of the holiday could actually be a relatively cheap one.
While Wetherspoons are no strangers to popping up in terminals across the UK and Ireland, they’ve never done so here in Manchester despite having three, yes THREE, in Gatwick alone.
Not for much longer, though, as soon T2 will be lending more than 3,000 square feet of its prime leisure and retail real estate to a new Greater Manchester ‘Spoons’.
Posting on social media, the airport wrote: “Wetherspoon comes to Manchester Airport this September! The pub will be located in the Terminal 2 Departures lounge and will have more than 300 seats.
“This will become the final major food and drink venue to open its doors as part of our decade-long £1.3bn transformation of Terminal 2. It will be named ‘The Belle Vue’, in a nod to Manchester’s historic showground [now a sports complex and leisure hub].
“It was a focal point for social life in the city from the Victorian period up until 2020, when the final event was held at Belle Vue stadium. The design of the pub is inspired by the history of Belle Vue and the sporting culture of the North West of England. We look forward to welcoming you all in September!”
While a lot of money has been pumped into T2’s refurb as a whole over the past few years, it remains unclear just how much this particular new addition will cost; we do know that great sums were set aside for the launch of the Great Northern Market last year.
The inaugural Manchester Airport Spoons is just the latest in a series of major renovations.
As mentioned, the company already operate several up and down the country – 10 airport pubs, to be specific – but this will be the first in the North West.
Speaking on the news, JD Wetherspoon chief executive John Hutson said in a statement: “We are looking forward to opening at Manchester Airport. We believe our new pub will prove popular with travellers of all ages and be an asset to the new terminal.”
With Manchester Airport adding a dozen new routes to its roster this summer, you can expect to see even more people flying in and out than ever – no doubt having already polished off a cut-price pint or two beforehand.
Emily Sergeant -
25th November 2021 
